Winner
The Shark Stratos XL 2.6 Litre Corded Upright Vacuum Cleaner is specifically designed to tackle thick carpets, thanks to its DuoClean technology that ensures efficient cleaning on both carpets and hard floors. The strong 800W motor provides powerful suction, which, combined with the Anti Hair Wrap Plus feature, effectively removes long, short, and pet hair without clogging the brush roll. This makes it a suitable choice for homes with pets.
The vacuum's large 2.6-litre dust cup capacity means fewer trips to the trash can during deep cleaning sessions, making it convenient for larger households. The Anti-Allergen Complete Seal system is a notable feature that helps capture dust and allergens, contributing to a healthier home environment. Additionally, the Anti-Odour Technology is a unique benefit, keeping the vacuum smelling fresh while in use.
However, it's important to consider the vacuum's weight and maneuverability. At 8.06 kg, it may be a bit heavy for some users, although the Powered Lift-Away feature does offer some flexibility by transforming the vacuum into a more portable version for cleaning stairs and under furniture. The 8m power cord provides a decent range but, being corded, it might limit mobility compared to cordless options.
The vacuum comes with a range of attachments, including pet, crevice, and multi-surface tools, enhancing its versatility across different cleaning tasks. While it lacks cordless convenience, its robust design and comprehensive cleaning capabilities make it a solid option for those focusing on thorough carpet cleaning. With a 5-year guarantee upon registration, it provides peace of mind regarding durability and performance. Ideal for families, pet owners, and anyone needing deep carpet cleaning.
The Shark Anti Hair Wrap Plus Upright Vacuum is a solid choice for homes with thick carpets, especially if you have pets. Its 700-watt motor provides strong suction, and the vacuum offers two cleaning modes: one for carpets and one for hard floors, which helps adjust to different surfaces. The Anti Hair Wrap feature is great for avoiding hair tangles on the brush roll, making maintenance easier. It includes a powered Pet Hair Brush, which is helpful for removing stubborn pet hair from carpets.
The 2.5-liter XL dust cup means fewer stops to empty debris, which is convenient for larger cleaning sessions. The vacuum weighs 6.5 kg, which is a bit on the heavier side but still manageable, especially with the Lift-Away feature that transforms it into a portable unit for stairs or furniture. It has an 8-meter cord, providing good reach without frequent unplugging. The HEPA filtration system with an Anti-Allergen Complete Seal captures 99.9% of dust and allergens, which is excellent for keeping air clean, especially important for allergy sufferers. Included accessories like a crevice tool and multi-surface tool add versatility for tight spaces and different surfaces.
This Shark vacuum is well-suited for pet owners with mixed flooring and thick carpets who want strong suction, effective hair removal, and good filtration. While it may lack specific height adjustments tailored for very plush carpets and has a slightly heavier weight that may affect maneuverability, it remains a versatile and effective cleaning solution for many households.
The Shark Stratos Corded Stick Vacuum Cleaner Pet Pro offers some strong features for those with thick carpets. Its powerful 450W motor ensures good suction, vital for deep cleaning dense carpet fibers, and the Anti Hair Wrap Plus technology means you won't have to constantly untangle hair from the brush roll, which is useful for homes with pets or long-haired occupants. The DuoClean floorhead, with its two motorized brush rolls, adapts well to various surfaces, making transitions between carpets and hard floors seamless.
The vacuum's anti-odour technology is a nice touch, especially for pet owners, helping keep your home smelling fresh. Its HEPA filtration system is effective at trapping allergens, which is beneficial for allergy sufferers. With a weight of 4.55 kg, it’s relatively lightweight, and its Flexology feature allows it to bend for easy storage and to clean under furniture, although it lacks height adjustment which might be a consideration for very thick carpets.
Maneuverability is enhanced by swivel steering, though the 10m cord means you'll need to switch outlets in larger rooms. The included attachments, such as the crevice and pet tools, add versatility for tackling edges and upholstery. However, the 0.3-litre dust capacity might mean more frequent emptying during larger cleaning sessions.
While not cordless, the Shark Stratos is a strong contender for those needing a robust vacuum for thick carpets, offering excellent hair management, adaptability to various surfaces, and convenient features geared towards pet owners. Its noise level of 80 dB is average for vacuums, so expect some noise while in use. This model is a bit more specialized for pet-friendly households, but its features make it a competent choice for anyone who needs reliable carpet cleaning.